Jharna: A New Horizon

Jharna: A New Horizon – Register Now!

A series of curated workshops led by former Jharna artists, revisiting the ideas that have shaped their journey and exploring what lies ahead.

Over five editions, Jharna has grown into a space for dialogue, reflection, and performance.

This December, Jharna: A New Horizon brings together eight artists who once graced its stage, now returning as facilitators to share their evolving practices.

Across four days, each workshop offers an intimate, interactive experience where participants engage directly with artists exploring diverse themes in movement, rhythm, and expression.

Whether you are a student, teacher, or dance enthusiast, this is your chance to learn from voices shaping the next chapter of classical dance.

Dates: December 13, 14, 19 & 20, 2025

Venue: Bharata Kalanjali, SPASTN, TEACH Auditorium, CSIR Road, Taramani, Chennai

What to Expect:
1. 8 exclusive workshops led by Jharna alumni artists
2. Small-group, interactive learning format
3. Opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and exchange
4. Inclusive of refreshments and a participation certificate

Tickets:
₹500 per workshop

*Limited seats available.
*Register early to be part of this focused, artist-led learning experience.

Terms and Conditions:
1. No cancellations, exchanges, or refunds.
2. Every attendee must register.
3. In-person event.

WORKSHOP 1

Layam Unveiled by Subashri Sashidharan

Date: 13 December 2025
Time: 8 AM to 10 AM IST

About the Workshop:
This one-day workshop invites participants to explore the rhythmic beauty of Bharatanatyam through the Pancha Jathis, uncovering how foundational Adavus like Tattadavu and Mattedavu transform beyond their conventional form. The session will highlight the interplay between Nritta and Layam, introduce basic rhythmic notation, and guide participants in simple composition, revealing rhythm as both a technical foundation and a creative language.

About the Artist:
Subashri is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher known for her refined artistry and deep understanding of rhythm. A postgraduate from Annamalai University, she continues to train under Natyacharya Dr. S. Divyasena. In 2005, she co-founded Prajña, a fine arts school in Periyakulam, Theni, nurturing young dancers for over 18 years. Her knowledge of music and Sanskrit enriches her work, and her artistry has been recognized with honours such as the Guru Adyar Lakshmanan Endowment Prize, Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan Yuva Ratna Samman, and Devadasi Yuva Prativa Puraskar.

WORKSHOP 2

The Geometry of Grace: Precision, Performance & Power of Balance by Dr. Ramya Suresh

Date: 13 December 2025
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM IST

About the Workshop:​
Blending art and science, Ramya Suresh presents a three-part workshop exploring the dancer’s body, space, and balance. Participants will learn about body mechanics, core strength, and injury prevention, discover how spatial awareness and technology enhance choreography, and gain tools to balance dual careers through mindful practice and time management.

About the Artist:
​Ramya Suresh is a Bharatanatyam dancer and practising pathologist known for her grace and depth in Nritta, Nritya, and Abhinaya. Trained under Smt. Indira Kadambi, and earlier under Guru B. Bhanumati and others, she holds a Visharad, is a CCRT Scholar, and a ‘B Grade’ Doordarshan artiste. Her works include Sharad – Rising through Fall, Agni, and Karunaada Maanye. She also serves as an Assistant Professor of Hemato-Oncopathology at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru.

WORKSHOP 3

“A poem named Vrindavan…..A poet called Gopi” Workshop-Lecture Demonstration by Himanshu Srivastava

Date: 14 December 2025
Time: 8 AM to 10 AM IST

About the Workshop:
This workshop explores the mystical town of Vrindavan through rare poetic works revealing the essence of Gopi-tattva & the true  Vrindavan. Participants will encounter lesser-known tales and perspectives of Vrindavan, delving into how Śṛṅgāra and Bhakti intertwine within devotional literature to express profound emotional and spiritual depth.

About the Artist:
Dr. Himanshu Srivastava is a Bharatanatyam dancer and visual artist from Delhi, trained under Guru Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt, Late Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, and Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan. A Doctorate holder and Ministry of Culture Fellow, he explored the links between classical dance and traditional Indian painting. His performances across India and abroad, and exhibitions at IGNCA Baroda, Kala Haat Delhi, and Zapurza Museum Pune, reflected his deep engagement with mythology, philosophy, and the harmony between movement and visual art.

WORKSHOP 4

Anvesha – Discover through curiosity by Meenakshi Grama

Date: 14 December 2025
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM IST

About the Workshop:
Anvesha, meaning “quest,” invites Bharatanatyam students to rediscover the basics as living, evolving expressions rather than fixed techniques. The workshop encourages curiosity and reflection, helping dancers build a more intuitive and personal connection with the art form.

About the Artist:
Meenakshi Grama is a Bharatanatyam artist known for blending tradition with exploration. A Kalavaahini Junior Scholar (2024), she has performed across India, France, and the UAE, and created the acclaimed solo production Ashma – Whispers from the Stone, mentored by Ms. Malavika Sarukkai. Having trained under eminent Gurus like Smt. Indira Kadambi, she continues her advanced training under Shri. Renjith Choorakkad and Smt. Vijna Vasudevan. As the founder of Spatika Centre for Performing Arts, she brings over 13 years of teaching experience to her practice. Meenakshi remains a student at heart, constantly evolving, questioning, and reimagining the language of Bharatanatyam as a living, breathing art form.

WORKSHOP 5

Sculpting Imagery by Anil Iyer

Date: 19 December 2025
Time: 8 AM to 10 AM IST

About the Workshop:
This workshop invites participants to explore the power of imagery in movement, encouraging them to reflect, relive, and recreate from personal experience. It aims to deepen body awareness, enhance intention, and bring greater authenticity to performance and presentation.

About the Artist:​
Anil Iyer is a Bharatanatyam artist trained under Guru Smt. Poornima Gururaja, known for his energetic yet graceful style and performances at major festivals across India. A Doordarshan-graded artist, he is also the founder of Shivoham School of Performing Arts, where he mentors young dancers. Trained in Carnatic vocals and active in theatre, Anil combines artistic insight with his work as a counselling psychologist and Ph.D. scholar, bringing a unique psychological depth to his teaching and performance.

WORKSHOP 6

Befriending Vilasini by Purvadhanashree

Date: 19 December 2025
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM IST

About the Workshop:
This workshop introduces students to the rich vocabulary and fluid technique of Vilasini Natyam adavus, rooted in the legacy of the Telugu devadasis. Participants will learn to embody these movements while exploring the art’s continuous, living flow through creative engagement and reflection.

About the Artist:
Purvadhanashree is a renowned Vilasini Natyam and Bharatanatyam artist trained under Guru Swapnasundari, and under her mother and Gurus Kamalini Dutt and Radhika Shurajit. A recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship, she was named Outstanding Dancer (Sub-Senior) at the Music Academy Dance Festival 2025. A Top Grade Doordarshan and ICCR-empanelled artist, she has performed widely across India and internationally in the USA, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, and Mauritius.

WORKSHOP 7

Anga-Smoothie by Jayakhavi Gautham

Date: 20 December 2025
Time: 8 AM to 10 AM IST

About the Workshop:
​This workshop focuses on building balance and fluency in dance through a holistic practice routine. It helps participants design a well-rounded schedule that engages all major angas (components) of Bharatanatyam, encouraging consistency and enthusiasm across physical, rhythmic, and expressive aspects. Through interactive activities, dancers will learn to sustain growth and harmony in their artistic practice.

About the Artist:​
Jayakhavi Gautham is a Bharatanatyam artist, Natya Yoga Trainer, and founder of Agam Arts Academy, Hyderabad. Trained under Dr. Supriya Ravikumar, she holds a BFA from Bharathidasan University, an MFA from Tamil University, and is pursuing an M.Phil in Bharatanatyam. A Doordarshan B-graded artist with over two decades of performance experience, she has presented solo recitals at Narada Gana Sabha, Kartik Fine Arts, and Rasika Ranjani Sabha, and performed at major temple festivals across Tamil Nadu. A recipient of the Bharatha Kalamani Award and National Natya Kalakar Puraskar, she continues to mentor dancers by integrating tradition, pedagogy, and Natya Yoga in her teaching.

WORKSHOP 8

UnBasic by Nirali Samani

Date: 20 December 2025
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM IST

About the Workshop:
UnBasic challenges the idea of fundamentals as mere beginnings, inviting dancers to see the “basics” as the very essence of the art. Through adavus and tala, participants will explore how repetition reveals depth, and how form can lead to freedom. Designed for both beginners and experienced dancers, this workshop offers a reflective return to the roots, rediscovering clarity, creativity, and awareness within the foundation of Bharatanatyam.

About the Artist:
Nirali Samani began her Bharatanatyam journey under Smt. Dolly Desai later earning a diploma from Kalakshetra (2017) and an M.A. from Madras University (2020). She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at VELS University, Chennai. A senior disciple of Guru Sheejith Krishna and repertory artist with Sahrdaya Foundation, she has performed across India in productions such as Pravaha, Ram Katha, and Don Quixote, and has also collaborated with other choreographers for their works. A CCRT Scholarship (2018-2022) recipient and faculty member at Sahrdaya since 2020, she continues to approach learning as a lifelong process of artistic and personal growth.